Shopping for fabric can be an overwhelming experience with so many different patterns, styles and textures to choose from. Sorting through the various options, trying to find one that works with your interior design and fits your needs can take time, and there are a myriad of considerations that will cross your mind.
One of the first things that comes to mind as you shop for upholstery fabric is, simply, whether or not this one or that one will do. While you may have your heart set on one particular fabric, it may not be the best option for your upcoming project.
Choosing a fabric does not have to be a difficult process, but it is one that should be approached strategically and there are some factors you should keep in mind. Once you know what to look for, you will find that locating upholstery fabric is not as difficult a task as you may have first thought.
Continue reading below to learn more about some of the factors that you should look for as you choose the right fabric for your next project.
Durability of the Fabric
The durability of fabric is paramount when it comes to any type of project you may be ready to start. If you have poorly woven fabric or fabric that cannot stand up to some wear and tear, then it will not make a good upholstery fabric.
You should think about who will use the piece of furniture, where it will be located, and how often it will be used.
Colour of the Fabric
The colour of the fabric may be the first thing you consider, but it does not have to be. In fact, you should explore durability first and then narrow down your options based on the colour. As you start to think about the colour of the upholstery fabric, do think about how the colour will affect your current décor and also the other furniture in your home.
If you are unsure of what a colour will look like in your home, try to see if you can take a colour sample swatch home to explore the various colour options.
Style of the Fabric
The next thing to consider would be the style of the fabric. This is important because it will influence the rest of your home. For example, if you are going for a country chic look, but your fabric screams 1800’s gothic, then you will run into a problem and your styles will clash.
You should think about the space the piece of furniture will sit in and then look around the room itself to determine what style you want. Once you have the style in mind, you will then be able to start honing in.
Pet-Friendly Upholstery Fabric
If you have a pet in your home, you do want to take special care to make sure that you choose an upholstery fabric that is pet-friendly. This may be difficult to do, especially when you add in the durability of the fabric, colour, and style, but it can be done.
You want to make sure you avoid fabric that is made from silk or fabric that comes with a lot of texture, as your puppy’s nails could become caught under the threads and then pull them.
Fade-Resistant Upholstery Fabric
If you plan to place your furniture in a sunroom or in a room that may receive a lot of light, it is important to choose a fabric that is resistant to fading. It is also a good idea to choose a fade-resistant upholstery fabric if your furniture will be in an area of your home that has high traffic.
Choose Fabric That Meets Your Needs First
One of the most important things about choosing upholstery fabric is that you should choose a fabric that meets your needs first. While there are many flashy and beautiful colours, you need to keep in mind what will work best in your home. A nice silk fabric is lovely until your pup jumps on it and rips it.
As you search for a good fabric, you should look for one that is fade resistant, pet-friendly, and set to your home’s theme or design.